Appliances don’t last forever, so when they break down, it can cause a big mess. Simple preventative maintenance can keep your appliances running for years, saving you money on repairs and replacement costs.
A regular maintenance routine also improves energy efficiency and extends the lifespan of your appliances. Read on to learn some home appliance maintenance tips you should know.
1. Clean the Filters
Keeping appliances clean and free from debris is one of the best ways to maintain them. This prevents dirt and grime from sticking to the surfaces, shortening their lifespan.
Cleaning is especially important for appliances that are frequently used, such as microwaves, ovens and washing machines. Make it a habit to clean the filters, vents and other hard-to-reach parts of your appliance regularly.
The last thing you want is for your home appliances to get overworked and overheated. Overloading them is a surefire way to decrease their lifespan and increase the chances of needing repairs. Check the maximum load rating for each of your appliances and be sure not to exceed them.
Another important tip for appliance maintenance is to perform regular annual maintenance checks. This includes checking for leaks in hoses and pipes, as well as inspecting each appliance for signs of damage or wear and tear. Repairing any problems promptly will help prolong their lifespan and reduce your overall repair costs.
2. Clean the Vents
We’ve all experienced the heartbreak of a home appliance breaking down in the middle of a cycle or just as we’re getting ready to serve a big meal. Fortunately, you can prevent many of these hiccups from occurring by following simple maintenance tips like cleaning your appliances and keeping them in good condition.
Clean your vent hood filters frequently. You can do this easily with a degreasing solution, hot water, clean rags and an old toothbrush. You should also regularly clean your refrigerator to remove any ice build-up.
In addition to cleaning your appliances, it’s important to keep them in good condition with regular maintenance tasks such as examining the washer hoses and dryer ducting for signs of wear or blockages. These preventative measures can help you save money by extending the lifespan of your appliances and avoiding costly repairs. To learn more, visit our blog on common appliance problems and their solutions. You can also connect with our friendly team of experts for more information on appliance care and repair services. An appliance warranty contract may reduce a lot of anxiety over the cost of appliance repairs.
3. Check the Load
Appliances, from kitchen equipment to entertainment gadgets to laundry machines, consume a good amount of energy. Over time, they can experience wear-and-tear that reduces efficiency and causes higher electricity bills. Proactive maintenance prevents minor problems from becoming major ones, saving you from costly repairs and early replacements.
You can check your appliances’ load by identifying the power ratings (in watts or kilowatts) for each item. This information is typically available on the device or in its user manual. Then, convert each wattage rating to an amperage.
Many devices continue to draw a small amount of stand-by power, even when they are switched “off.” You can also use a clamp multimeter to test the amperage directly. This type of multimeter has pair of jaws that close to encircle the wire and display the amperage being drawn by it. The reading can be taken while the appliance is turned off. This is known as a “phantom load.” The lower the phantom load, the more efficient your device will be.
4. Check the Temperature
Home appliances help us cook, clean and store our food. But these household appliances often need some attention to work at their best. Prioritizing appliance maintenance tasks will unlock their potential, save you thousands in costly repairs and extend their lifespan.
The first step is to clean your appliances on a regular basis. This includes cleaning the filters, vents and hoods. It’s also important to regularly inspect the appliances and act quickly if anything seems wrong.
For example, if your refrigerator is constantly running and not keeping your groceries cold enough, try moving it to a new location or replacing the gasket seals. Similarly, if your dryer is taking longer than usual to dry clothes, check the venting, vet caps and lint traps to make sure they’re clear of any obstructions. By making these simple changes, you can reduce energy bills, save money on repair costs and avoid costly replacements. If you’re experiencing a problem with your appliance, our team is here to help.